Gary Pallister, who was suspended for that opening game, completed the squad of players in attendance.

Reg Corbidge and Graham Fordy, two of the members of the Steve Gibson-led consortium which saved Boro were also there, along with chief executive Keith Lamb.

The players took part in a question-and-answer session.

Mowbray was asked if he was disappointed not to have been offered the opportunity to manage Boro following Steve McClaren's departure for Soho Square.

The Teessider replied that, after just two years at the helm with Hibs, he was still developing his managerial talents and trying to make progress up the ladder.

Class 'of 86, published by Linthorpe Publishing, is currently on sale at good bookshops for #10.99, and features interviews with all the players from that era, plus legendary manager Bruce Rioch.

Authors Alastair Brownlee and Gordon Cox will be signing copies of the book at MFC Retail in Captain Cook Square from 12 noon to 1pm this Sunday.

Oh what a night...>

What heart-stopping pleasure we had, the breathlessness of seeing again and touching and talking to all of our heroes of our team, the Boro 1986.

A night of memories, of bravery and personal sacrifice.

Alastair Brownlee and Gordon Cox made a splendid evening for us all at The Tall Trees on Sunday night when they launched their new book Class of '86.

Every Boro fan should buy this book for a marvellous insight into how the players and backroom staff fought to hold on to their employment and keep the Boro in existence in that disastrous season.

We were privileged to hear at first hand from each and every one of the 1986 players how it was for them in that remarkable turn of events.

It was obvious that there was a special bond between all of these players of the Boro past and we the fans are indebted to Tony Mowbray (as captain) and his team-mates who willingly gave their time for a thrilling night to remember.

A night in which they seemed to get as much pleasure out of the evening as we the fans.

Brian Sigsworth,Billingham>

**********>

Riverside roar heard across the globe>

Boro's fame is spreading throughout the United States.

San Diego fan Terri Denning flew in for the Liverpool game at the weekend.

She arranged the visit through Sue Gardener, the Boro's world-wide fans web organiser, and met up with Boro fans in the Ironopolis club before the game.

The picture shows Terri with Boro fans at the club. Left to right, Sheila Richardson, Joseph Elstob, Terri and Charlie Vickers.

Sue, who is chairman of Boro Official Supporters Club, reports that the web link-up is "going great" and there are now 21 branches.

She added: "I have just heard from our Norwegian branch and they are up to 64 members now.

"I am expecting a few coming in for our home game against Man Utd in December."